Dental sealants are transparent or opaque plastic coatings placed on the top of permanent molar (back) teeth to help prevent dental decay. These coatings are a safe, effective way to prevent tooth decay among children. The first CT statewide open mouth survey, titled “Every Smile Counts: The Oral Health of Connecticut’s Children,” was conducted during the 2006-2007 school year and revealed significant oral health disparities in CT with Non-Hispanic Black children having the lowest levels of dental sealants. The 2022 survey found the prevalence of dental sealants among third graders to be significantly lower (27.5%) compared to previous surveys conducted in 2017 (39%), 2012 (43%), and 2007 (38%). The 2022 survey also revealed disparities in CT with White children having the highest prevalence of dental sealants (30%), followed by Hispanic children (28%), Black children (24%), Asian children (19%), and Multiracial children (23%). The decline in sealant prevalence could be attributed to provider shortages and COVID-19, which resulted in dental offices and school-based health clinics closures inhibiting regular prevention services.  The 2022 Every Smiles Counts report outlines several key strategies on what parents, caregivers, providers, and policymakers can do to improve the oral health of children in CT.

These data are current as of December 2022. New data may be available in five years, which will be dependent upon funding.

Source: Every Smile Counts: The Oral Health of Connecticut’s Children, 2022

School-based/linked Dental Programs

State Department of Education

CT Department of Public Health partners and collaborations

Dental Sealant advisory

CT State Dental Association

CT Dental Health Partnership

CT Oral Health Initiative

CT Dental Hygiene Association

School-based/linked dental sealant programs(SBLDSP) and Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) are evidence-based community prevention intervention programs that are effective in preventing/ reducing dental caries. SBLDP's and CWF are recommended by The Task Force on Community Preventive Services, American Dental Association(ADA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Increase enrollment and utilization of HUSKY insurance coverage and the maintenance of an appropriate pool of providers accepting HUSKY to enhance dental home concept
• Increase the number of dental providers in underserved areas and those participating in Connecticut's HUSKY program (Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program)
• Maintain the fluoridation statute
• Advocate for parity of oral health with physical and behavioral health in practice, policy, and reimbursement
• Enhance the acceptance and use of sealants through school-based programs; culturally and linguistically appropriate public education, public awareness campaigns, and provider education
• Partner with school districts to improve dental care access for children and provide additional resources to reach additional schools throughout the state
• Increase the number of dental sealants provided in schools, safety-net, and private dental settings
• Expand existence of and participation in dental homes
• Educate the public and policymakers on the safety and benefits of water fluoridation
• Encourage the adoption of a non-cariogenic diet through non sweetened beverage promotions; school-based programs; education and public awareness campaigns; provider education; and nutritional programs (e.g., WIC)
• Expand availability of sealants to high-risk populations
• Identify and address barriers to access to dental services